Agua Dulce Cenote
On our first trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, we found some hidden gems that are often not found in Valladolid travel guides, such as the Agua Dulce cenote.
The first thing we all do (myself included) is take note of the most well-known cenotes in Valladolid, but sometimes we forget that these destinations are very popular, which means that when you go, you have a very high chance of finding a lot of people.
And if you are someone who prefers quieter places, then the Agua Dulce cenote is a good option for you to visit.
About the Agua Dulce Cenote Valladolid
Of all the cenotes we have visited, in my opinion, this Agua Dulce cenote is the most beautiful closed cenote in Valladolid.
Despite being closed, it has a couple of small openings in its ceiling where natural light enters.
However, this light does not fully illuminate the entire interior of the cenote, so lights have been installed inside to illuminate the countless stalactites hanging from the ceiling.
The interior view of the cenote is truly beautiful, and if you have a good quality camera, the photos you take will be spectacular.
The Agua Dulce cenote is privately owned, unlike other cenotes that belong to communities.
How to get to the Cenote Agua Dulce
The Cenote Agua Dulce is located within the same property as the Cenote Palomitas, about 200 meters away from each other.
The easiest way to get there is by car. Even if you’re backpacking in the Yucatan Peninsula, renting a car is worth it.
But… keep in mind that you can only rent a car in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, Merida or Costa Maya. Unfortunately, there are no car rental companies in Valladolid, Mexico.
As I mentioned, there is no public transportation from Valladolid that will take you directly to the Cenote, which is about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the city center.
“So, from the city of Valladolid, you can take a bus, taxi, rent a scooter, or go in your own vehicle to the town of Yalcobá, which will take you approximately 20 minutes to get to. When you’re entering Yalcobá, you will find a sign that will guide you to the Cenote Palomitas.”
Motorcycle Rental in Valladolid
An interesting way to visit the cenotes in this region is by renting a scooter motorcycle in Valladolid.
If you’re up for a little adventure, this is a nice way to put together your own day trip. Renting a scooter in Valladolid costs 500 pesos (25 dollars) for 24 hours or 5 dollars per hour.
It’s not really cheap, but it’s worth the price when you consider the freedom of movement the scooter gives you; you’ll be riding around all day here and there.
In the city, you’ll find several places that specialize in scooter rentals. When you arrive in the city, ask around and they’ll be able to tell you.
If you want to book in advance, you can do so with Scooter Rent Valladolid or Scooter & Bike Rental Ko’ox Balak.
Public Transportation
I tried to find out for you about how to get to the Agua Dulce cenote by public transportation, but honestly, I wasn’t lucky.
What I was told is to look for a bus that goes in the direction of Yalcoba. Then from Yalcoba, it’s only 3 kilometers to the cenote area.
You can also ask about “collective taxis” around the Valladolid bus terminal area.
Depth of the Agua Dulce Cenote
The Agua Dulce Cenote is about 15 meters deep (much less than the Palomitas, which is 60 meters). As for its diameter, it’s around 80 meters.
The water in the Agua Dulce cenote is so clear that you can easily see the bottom. Ideal for using your own snorkeling equipment.
Agua Dulce Cenote Opening Hours
The opening hours are at 8 am, and the last entry allowed is at 4:30 pm because they close the place at 5 pm, and you have to leave.
Agua Dulce Cenote Price
The entrance fee to the Agua Dulce Cenote is 100 pesos (5 dollars); it’s the same price as the Palomitas Cenote.
Unfortunately, they don’t have an entry for a more accessible price that allows you to visit both cenotes. If you want to visit both places, you will have to pay 200 pesos (10 dollars).
Both cenotes have a similar shape and look alike. Because both charge 100 pesos (5 dollars) each, I wouldn’t recommend paying for both cenotes.
If you want to know, this is my opinion: the Agua Dulce cenote is prettier, but the Palomitas cenote allows you to do jumps from a 3 to 5-meter platform height, which will be a more adrenaline-pumping activity.
Best time to visit the Agua Dulce Cenote
The best time to visit the Agua Dulce Cenote (and the Palomitas) is between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, according to the staff.
This schedule is because the sunlight enters through the two roof openings of the cenote highlighting the atmosphere. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see it myself because we arrived after 3:30 pm.
The Agua Dulce Cenote has two entrances
This impressive enclosed cenote has two entrances, and one of them is already an adventure in itself.
The narrow spiral staircase leading to a floating platform in the middle of the cenote is an adrenaline experience in itself, as you descend and get a first impression of the Agua Dulce Cenote ㋡.
If you bring a towel, you can leave it on the wooden platform, but if you have a bag or backpack, I recommend using the normal staircase on the other side.
Swimming in the Agua Dulce Cenote
The most important thing when entering, as in other cenotes, is hygiene. The locals will ask you to shower before entering the water to rid yourself of any chemicals that could harm the ecosystem.
The water is fresh and very clear. If you go on a hot day like we did, the water will be revitalizing, ideal for cooling off on a 35º Celsius day like the one we had.
Rappelling in the Agua Dulce Cenote
Well… let’s see ㋡
There is a third way to enter the Agua Dulce Cenote, and that is by rappelling through one of the holes in the roof.
This activity is paid separately and costs 80 pesos (3.50 dollars).
If you like adventure and are daring, then I can already see you descending through that hole.
Life Jackets
Both cenotes are a large body of water and are excellent for swimming. Life jackets can be rented for 30 pesos (1.25 dollars), and swimming without them, of course, is at your own risk.
I read that there is a lifeguard, but we didn’t see one during our visit.
Kayak rental
When you descend the spiral staircase at the Agua Dulce Cenote, there will be a kayak attached to the floating platform. You can rent it for 50 pesos (2 dollars) for 30 minutes.
Parking
Once again, we can tell you not to worry about this detail, as like other cenotes, in Agua Dulce, you will find ample free parking, so you don’t even have to think about it.
Restaurant
At the entrance of the Agua Dulce Cenote Mexico are the facilities of the Agua Dulce Ranch, which is why it is called that. Part of the ranch is still used for cattle farming (according to the people who work there).
The Agua Dulce Ranch is also a buffet-style restaurant, and it’s worth going in to eat. You really have to taste their typical Yucatecan dishes.
You can find local meals for less than 100 pesos (5 dollars) and beers for 40 pesos (2 dollars).
✅ Where to Stay in Valladolid
Do you not mind any hotel? Or do you want a reference of hotels so that you won’t have any unpleasant surprises when you arrive in Valladolid?
We are going to help you choose a hotel in Valladolid that won’t disappoint you. Beautiful as you expect, excellent service, spacious rooms, and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for your days in the city.
● Check The Best Hotels in Valladolid
● Check The Best 7 Cheap Hotels in Valladolid
How to Take Care of Cenotes
☛ If you found this guide useful, we would like to ask you to share it. Your help means a lot to us! Thank you very much!
Check out more Cenotes in Valladolid
